Cheap Loco repair

[KenK]

I got a friend just getting started in the HO train thing and needs some ideas for fixing a

Life-Like "Train Set" type loco he bought. The one truck won't stay on because the tabs

that snap into the chassis are broken off. We're all pretty handy with hobby stuff, he

builds R/C airplanes from scratch, I also do plastic kits and build 1/24th scale slot cars

from scratch, and we have other friends with various skills. Basically, we're not afraid

to build/repair ANYTHING, but we need some ideas, if anyone has had to do this 

particular repair before.

 

And yes, I know he should get a better locomotive, but he's determined to make this thing

work for now. 

[ezielinski]

Fabricate new styrene tabs (it would be easier and more satisfying in the long run to buy a new loco).

[simon1966]

Buy a junker from a train-show for very little and salvage the part you need to get it to work.  Try contacting LifeLike (now owned by Walthers) and see if you can buy the part.

It is very easy to just throw something away, especially when it is not the best, but I know what you mean about having determination not to get beat.  I have a very old little loco from my childhood that is worth squat and runs worse, but I was determined to fabricate a replacement set of wheel pickups to make it run better.  Very satisfying even if I don't run it very often.

Here it is, affectionately called "Funny Little Red One" by the boys.

 

[cacole]

Your subject line tells it all -- Cheap train set -- usually items in these sets are made unrepairable on purpose so the manufacturer doesn't have to fool around with stocking spare parts.  Being cheap usually means it's disposable.

I have never worked with one of these locomotives, but if you mean that the shell won't stay on the frame; i.e., when you try to pick it up the top comes off, you might be able to use some double-sided scotch tape around the inside of the shell and stick it to the frame well enough to be able to pick it up without falling apart.

[nfmisso]

..... The one truck won't stay on because the tabs that snap into the chassis are broken off.........

Hi Ken;

The part that includes the tabs is most likely PA (aka Nylon) or POM (aka acetal, Delrin®, Celcon®).  It is very very difficult to glue anything to PA or POM.  That leaves few choices:

• put a hole through the part so that you can mechanically attach replacement tabs.
• make a complete replacement part - most likely styrene or ABS will not be strong enough.
• find a replacement part from a junker at a train show or ebay - as suggested above.

Good luck.

[Soo Line fan]

Here it is, affectionately called "Funny Little Red One" by the boys.

 

Who was the manufacture of that? I don't ever recall seeing one before.

Jim

[loathar]

I've got one that did the same thing. Nothing will stay glued to it. Tried many different repairs on it and gave up. Still runs and stays on the track OK, just have to be careful when picking it up. I think finding a junker is your only option.

[inch53]

I buy junk engine at flea markets, yard sales,, swap meets and auctions or have them given to me. If I can get them running great, if not they go in the parts boxs. Don't have any Lifelike truck on hand right now that's any good and still have found a good fix for them.

Best just find one with a bad motor and salvage what you need.

inch 

[simon1966]

Here it is, affectionately called "Funny Little Red One" by the boys.

 

Who was the manufacture of that? I don't ever recall seeing one before.

Jim

It was made in the UK by Triang Minic back in the 60's.  It was a rather cool concept as it pulled an auto carrier that you could drive a slot car up onto using a special ramp and then transport it on the train.  The little loco is all I have left of the set.

[PA Belt]

i have just the part you need, pm me your address, ill ship it out to ya free of chrage

[KenK]

PM sent, thanks PA Belt.